Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
JSD VM
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Diamond: MR HP
- Cantilever: Sapphire
- Cartridge Type: MC Stereo
- Coil: Copper 4N
- Magnet: AlNiCo, gold-plated
- Housing: Aluminum, variable mass
- Connection: 1/2" – 4pin
- Tracking Angle: 23°
- Weight: 10...12g
- Tracking Force: 2.4g
- Output Voltage: 1mV @ 5cm/s
- Needle Compliance: 12µm/mN
- Frequency Response: 20 - 30,000Hz
- Impedance: 2x 24Ω
- Recommended Load Impedance: 200 - 300Ω
Description
The modern EMT generator of the reference products is manufactured with a multi-radius scanning diamond on a sapphire stylus carrier. Our unique mounting technology makes it possible to achieve an otherwise unattainable musicality with this high-resolution transducer.
Reference stereo cartridge with variable-mass body The most modern EMT generator of the Reference-products features a multi-facet diamond on sapphire cantilever. Our unique assembling technology makes it possible to tune the individual sound properties of this high-resolution transducer unit to maximum musicality. The JSD VM is the only cartridge in the world that allows the user to tune the resonance behaviour according to the tonearm specification and personal preference. It comes with three inlay bolts made of different materials.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- With a manufacturing history deeply rooted in broadcast and professional audio equipment, they offer durable, reliable products built to high technical standards.
- They blend classic design principles, such as the "banana" tonearm and open cartridge bodies, with contemporary materials and engineering for a unique aesthetic and sound.
- EMT cartridges, while often described as having a "house sound," are versatile enough to handle a wide range of musical genres, from rock to classical.
- HiFiction AG emphasizes comprehensive control over the design and manufacturing process, from machining parts to hand-assembling cartridges in their Swiss factory.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Tondose:
- Positioning: Entry-level model designed for affordability and basic functionality.
- Description: Offers simple operation with a straightforward design that features a reliable switching mechanism for essential connectivity. Compared to the other models, it delivers just the fundamentals for small room use and limited functionality while keeping costs low.
HSD-006:
- Positioning: Mid-range product balancing sound quality and cost efficiency.
- Description: Offers refined audio processing with a circuit design that increases clarity and dynamic performance. In comparison with the entry-level Tondose, it provides improved performance and more versatile connectivity without reaching the complexity of the higher-end models.
HMD-025:
- Positioning: Mid to high range system aimed at enhanced performance and connectivity.
- Description: Features an advanced digital-to-analog conversion architecture that ensures accurate signal reproduction and impressive detail. Compared to the HSD-006, it offers better signal integrity and additional functionality while remaining less premium than the Novel series options.
JSD Novel Gold1:
- Positioning: Premium offering that elevates performance with advanced technology.
- Description: Features a high-grade processor and specialized analog circuitry engineered for detailed sound accuracy. Compared to the HMD-025, it steps up build quality and connectivity.
JSD Novel Titan1:
- Positioning: Flagship model showcasing state-of-the-art technology.
- Description: Features cutting-edge circuit designs with advanced modules that deliver superior audio fidelity and broad functionality. Compared to the Novel Gold1, it offers enhanced technical sophistication and durability.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
44
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
150
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
19
Founding Year
1940
Our take on the brand
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
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Used
EMT Tontechnik
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What competes at this price?
EMT Tontechnik
JSD Novel Titan
6995
/
Released
2021
Ultimate stereo cartridge with EMT multi-layer core transducer and titanium body
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
Expand Details
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Generous low-frequency transient textures, such as fingers plucking double bass strings
- Smoothness, refinement, good timbral balance, and commendable transparency
- Precise build quality
- Seamless delivery, producing musical pleasure on a rich, colorful pallet
Product Considerations
- The Titan does not include a stylus guard, which could be a problem for people with cats, children, or housekeepers
- A particular vocal sibilant characteristic—a super-narrow, almost sweet peak—was noted
- If hard rock is your thing—look elsewhere
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Original vs test pressing of The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark—the EMT's generous presentation of bass transient textures was there too, without overhang
Takeaway: The EMT JSD Novel Titan MC cartridge uses modern materials to enhance a classic design, delivering a fast and fresh sound. With its high output and precise build, it reliably delivers satisfying musical experiences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
Product Page
Product Page
EMT Tontechnik
JSD Novel Gold
7995
/
Released
2021
Ultimate stereo cartridge with EMT multi-layer core transducer and high-density body
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
EMT Tontechnik, originally developed for German broadcasters, is renowned for its high-performance moving coil cartridges and digital reverb units that emphasize honesty and coherence. Their turntables and cartridges maintain a distinct sonic signature that blends transient speed with musical attack, while their reverb units, including the EMT 246 with its EMT 250 algorithm, are considered among the best digital reverbs ever made.
Product Page
Product Page
TechDAS
TDC01
8338
/
Released
2024
The TDC01 cartridge features a novel egg-shaped housing which was chosen because of its unchallenged structural Section Modulus properties. This unique housing made of A7075 Super Duralumin, and although difficult to machine with such extreme precision, is an ideal form factor to dissipate extraneous energy coming from the record groove. This, in turn, allows the generator system to reproduce only the clean signal of the music itself.
TechDAS is a premium turntable brand that uses rare air bearing and vacuum hold-down technologies, designed by former Micro Seiki engineer Hideaki Nishikawa. Their Air Force series turntables combine high-mass chassis with advanced air suspension systems to minimize vibrations, while their vacuum hold-down system reduces record warping for better sound quality.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a satiny top-end sheen with an authoritarian dynamic slam and impressive transparency
- Soundstages were deep and wide where appropriate
- Produced transient sharpness on the bottom and in the mids
- Tonally neutral-sounding
- Bottom-end extension and resolution of low-level detail were high quality
Product Considerations
- Super-refined reproduction of transients as somewhat on the polite side overall, and better suited to jazz and classical than to harder-edged rock, soul, and blues
- Requires a very low loading value to get the most out of it, surprising considering the recommended 100-200 ohms
- At 17gm, it is on the heavy side
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The TechDAS TDC01 Ti offered transparency similar to the Kuzma CAR-60
- The TechDAS TDC01 Ti also produced Proteus-like overall dynamic 'slam'
Takeaway: The TechDAS TDC01 Ti cartridge is a high-quality product that combines smoothness with dynamic slam, making for a refined sound. Its neutrality and detail make it a good choice for audiophiles who enjoy jazz and classical music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
TechDAS is a premium turntable brand that uses rare air bearing and vacuum hold-down technologies, designed by former Micro Seiki engineer Hideaki Nishikawa. Their Air Force series turntables combine high-mass chassis with advanced air suspension systems to minimize vibrations, while their vacuum hold-down system reduces record warping for better sound quality.
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